Opinions on Taurus 605

[FieroCDSP]

Hi, folks. I've been thinking about how best to invest my rebate check and have been considering a smaller carry piece for warmer weather. My ideas are as follows:

-Smith M&P 40c
-Bersa Thunder 380
-Kel-tec P3AT
-A revolver in 357

Now, I'd like to blow all my check on the M&P, but my brain is telling me to pay a little on my cards, to show respect, ya know. My local dealer has the Taurus 605 for $289, which leaves a little cash for ammo and making my debt happy for a little while.
I'm mainly an auto-loader guy, as you can tell, but I've been wanting to get a revolver for the change of pace, and because the snubbies are possibly the best in point-blank shooting. Taurus revolvers have a good record, it seems.

So... Those who have shot and/or owned one, lend me your experience. Felt recoil, durability, accuracy, etc.

 

[BoneDigger]

I had one for a while. The trigger wasn't the best, but it functioned flawlessly. It wasn't at all fun to shoot with full .357 loads in it, but it was manageable. It was easy enough with .38 practice rounds. taurus is hit-or-miss but generally puts out a good gun. If the gun feels good to you, and you like the price, I say go for it.

The Smith MP is a good gun from what I hear, but I have never owned one. They are somewhat pricey, but about what you would pay for a XD or similar Glock.

The Bersa .380 is also a good gun. they can be somewhat touchy as far as which ammo they like (at least mine was), but, they are good guns. My questions is why buy a .380 when similar sized 9mm are available? I guess again it comes down to price...

I have never owned a KelTec so I can't comment there.

I just bought a Ruger SP101 off this board for $350. If I were you, I would wait and find a good used Smith or Ruger revolver. you'll get a lot for your money that way.

Todd

 

[aaronrkelly]

I had a Taurus .357mag with a 3" barrel, it was an awesome looking gun. I really like the looks of the full underlug.

I took it out of the box and headed to the range.

It was tossing a shotgun pattern.....so I pack it up for the day and go home.

Looking down the barrel there were horrible chatter marks and chunks of rifling missing.

I called Taurus and setup a repair, sent it out on my dime (they dont make exceptions, even if you have only owned it for one day....you pay shipping). Supposed to take about 2 weeks.

After 4 I called.....2 more weeks....waiting on a barrel from Brazil.

After 8 passed I called.....2 more weeks still waiting on barrel.

etc....etc...and throw a little bit of hanging up, failing to call back and general poor customer service.

After 6 months and 1 week passed (the last month of that was spent talking to Robert, Im sure many Taurus owners know Robert) - I finally annoyed Robert enough he admitted he had no clue when the barrel would be in I would just have to wait as long as it took and get over it (almost exact works).

I was NOT impressed.

I called back the next day and asked for the contact information for the legal dept....they xferd me to Robert.....I again asked.

All the sudden that wasnt necessary, they would send out a replacement revolver in the next couple days.

True to his word, they did.

I received it.....at first glance I noticed some poor spots in the finish but this was going to be a carry gun, its would look far worse after a year of carry...no worries there.

Then I tried to open it...almost had to beat the crane out of the frame. Cleaned, lubed....it never got better.

I sold it at a loss, full disclosure to the next owner.

Thats my experience.


EDIT: Just noticed you said 605.....I misread, mine was a 650.

 

[Virginian]

I had one of the 3" 605s they made back in the late '80s and/or early 90s. Barrel/lug looked quite different (better if you ask me), and grip was different too. Absolutely wonderful little gun. A handful with hot 357s, but it shot to point of aim quite well, functioned perfectly, and smooth. I am still kicking myself for letting it go, and thinking of getting another one if I come across it.

 

[smee781]

I will never own another Taurus gun again, after 3 revolvers going back for repair on my dime and months and months of waiting, never again. Don't waist your time, just get a Smith or Ruger and save your self the headache.:banghead:

 

[DMZ]

I have had a 3" 605 for a few years and found it to be a fine gun. I have found it to be a good little utility revolver for truck, camp and trail use.

Mine is quite accurate, but as others have stated, it is a handful with full power .357 Magnum loads. I shoot mostly .357 "moderate" load or .38 Spl +P stuff and it's just fine.

I hated the factory rubber grips, so I swapped them out for some hand filling, wood, combat grips. Looks better, and feels much better.

 

[HiWayMan]

I have a 651 which is close enough. I live in Smithville right next door. I'm available this weekend if you want to pop some off through it. PM inbound.

 

[funny book flapjack]

I've got a 605. It's okay for what it is. Never had a problem with it in the 10 years that I've owned it (2nd owner). I like having it for a beater that I can toss in the glove compartment or saddlebags & not worry about the finish.

My S & W's are MUCH nicer, but like I said, I like having the beater so that I can baby the S & W's. I'd definitely go Ruger over Taurus if I were to choose again though.

I have a Kel-Tec P-11 that has also been flawless. Slips into/out of my front pocket easily with a Nemesis holster. P3AT are even easier to carry. The Bersas are okay, but again-- if you're getting a gun that big, might as well go to 9mm.

Never shot an M & P. Tried out a 4" XD 9 recently though. Loved it. Fit like a glove. Will have one soon.

 

[19-3Ben]

Now, I'd like to blow all my check on the M&P, but my brain is telling me to pay a little on my cards, to show respect, ya know.

Well, if that's what you want, you aren't going to happy unless you buy it. Quit looking for excuses to talk yourself into something that is #2 on your list.

Here's your justification:
The rebate check is to boost the American economy. Use it to buy an American made product. Otherwise, the govt. is giving us back our money and we then send it to other countries. Be a good American and give the money to S&W because they make their products right here in the US of A. Let Brazil get their own darn money.

How was that? are you on the way to go buy an M&P yet?

 

[FieroCDSP]

Still haven't decided. I can't help it!!! I just want to give them all a good home ::cry::

 

[Dismantler]

Sir! With those complaints on this thread, and on threads such as "How Far Has Taurus Come?" you'd still consider a Taurus? Get a used Smith and you will never doubt the gun.

After all the complaints that I have read form actual Taurus owners, plus what a few gunsmiths have told me, I would never even consider one.

 

[funny book flapjack]

I really have to agree with Dismantler, & this is coming from a guy who's owned a Taurus 605 for almost a decade & had no troubles with it.

If you decide on a revolver, go for a used Smith or a Ruger over the Taurus. Better made, better customer service, better resale value, etc.

Sounds ta me like yer gonna buy an M & P regardless though. Question is just which one you get first.

 

[3 gun]

I carry a 605 with CT grips often. Shoot it about 8 times a year in BUG matches. Recoil is harsh with full house 357mag, not bad with 38spl +P's. Trigger is pretty good. Not as nice as S&W but better than Rugers. Don't use the lock and have never heard of one engaging under fire unlike S&W's. Your check should cover the pistol, CT grips (if you want them, and you should), holster and some top shelf ammo to carry in it. I'd buy again.

 

[Srigs]

My father-in-law carries a nice 605 blued and it is a great little J-frame size gun. It shoot full loads without a problem and is easy to carry.

Buy it.